Sam James Update

I am going to go spend money there, on principle.

maybe it's a subtle distinction, but at times don't ALL stores need to have materials brought in, and those stores that don't have back lanes etc. may have issues with needing to have their delivery vehicles be stopped outside, even if there is a bike lane. So customers are one thing, but even our coffee has to come from somewhere, ie. it's driven locally, and not delivered by bike...

Why can't delivery trucks just park in the travel lane, if there are more than one in each direction? Are the fines any different from parking in a normal lane vs a bl?

The funny thing is, most delivery trucks are so wide they block both the bike and the curb lanes when they stop.

Blocking the bike lane seems to be either for convenience (so they don't have to deal with bikes squeezing between their parked truck and the curb) or as a way of showing motorists "Look, I'm doing my best".

Regardless, it doesn't matter... bike riders just have to do a 3-to-1 lane merge around the delivery truck.

Also, I feel like a coffee.

I love what Sam is doing and I am certainly livid when I see a car using the bike lane. But I am more sympathetic to delivery vehicles. I am honestly trying to figure out what is a solution for stores with no other access than their front door.

Delivery vehicles should not park in the vehicle lane. You can be sure I will not pass in between the curb and a delivery truck, way too many variables.

And it's not reasonable to expect a delivery vehicle to park more than 75 metres from their destination. They provide a service we all benefit from and they are encouraged, for good reasons, to do it quickly (and safely!).

So what should the solution be? Perhaps they could have signs that illuminate and say "yield to cyclists" the way buses have signs indicating their priority? Maybe deliveries along Spadina, for example, can be made in back alleys with box bikes from a central depot? Maybe there is room for some accommodation from all road users on this? It seems separated bike lanes with a buffer for car doors would help everyone out.

I would love to read other people's ideas.

Next up, keep the hipsters from populating the curb, sticking their feet into the lane. Install more seating, perhaps?

I get upset with Canada Post parking in the bike lanes. They do so with impunity.

They seem to beieve they have the right to park right in front of the mailbox. I have seen them park in front of No Parking signs. Bike lanes are ideal for them even if there is parking close by. They are safe in the knowledge they will never be ticketed.

I sympathize with delivery vehicles, absolutely. But car drivers must be made aware that they're convenience does not trump our safety. I've posted this blog at City Bites magazine's Facebook page. I expect more discussion will ensue!

including for bike stores, right Derek?

While I normally stop by Sam's by bike, I've also stopped by there a number of times while driving, and each time I've managed to do so without parking in the bike lane. Sure, I've sometimes had to park 50m away on Harbord, or on Clinton St, but thankfully my legs aren't broken so I'm able to walk for 30 seconds to get there. ;)

Huge props to Sam (and the rest of the SJCB crew) for standing up to arrogant drivers AND making some of the most delicious coffee in the city.

-wes

ps. thanks for the hi5 this morning, Martino. ;)

Sweet job Tino! Why don't they just lay down pylons like those permanently!? They would help a lot.

Was going to spend money dollars in this coffee shop but they were closing up. I will keep riding past with intentions same.